After every National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas in May, I choose the Event Elite underclassmen Long Snappers. They are the best of the best out in Vegas and are selected to participate in The TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp during the summer. Only the true great ones are allowed to attend the TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp and you must do extremely well in Vegas to be considered. The percent of Long Snappers that have been invited to this camp and continued their careers into college is well over 95%!

If you make this list, you obviously can snap the ball and do it well. Now, I wanted to give you a bit of insight on them off the field. In alphabetical order….

What is your favorite food? Roast Beef and Rice
What is favorite motivational quote? “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” – Muhammad Ali

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? My high goals and ability to achieve those goals make me the best Long Snapper in the country. I will do everything I can to be better than the person that is in front of me.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I am both a Varsity Football player and a Varsity Tennis player.

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I have a growth mindset which allows me to see effort as the path to mastery. I embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. I also have great work ethic, along with athleticism to be able to make plays down field.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know? I have a strong will. I have the will to win and the desired to succeed.

What is your favorite food? Seafood
What is favorite motivational quote? “”Success always looks easy to those who weren’t around when it was being earned.”

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I believe that I am the best long snapper because I strive for excellence in everything that I do, which not only includes my long snapping abilities, but also my academic pursuits, character, and relationships with God and others.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I have Type 1 Diabetes. It has shown me that I have the inner drive to overcome any obstacle.

Favorite Quote: “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” -Norman Vincent Peale

Why I am the best Long Snapper in the country: What makes me the best long snapper in the country is my constant hunger to achieve greatness. I take pride in my work ethic on the field and in the classroom. In addition, I train (weight lifting and snapping) harder than any other snapper in the country.

Something people may not know about me: I made Marmonte League finals in shot put this year (2013). I dedicate two Saturday afternoons a month to the “Take 5” organization helping disabled children for the last two years.

3. You can be a bad loser or you can be a good loser but your still a loser so don’t Lose

4. Live Life, Love Life, Live it Long

Why I am the best Long Snapper in the country: The qualities that make me the best long snapper in the world are my abilities to take directions and criticism and use them to my advantage. I’m the hardest working and dedicated player/student that you can find. I will never stop training and trying to improve in every aspect. I snap a very fast ball and my accuracy and consistency have improved greatly and is almost dialed in. I’m Extremely Athletic. That is what makes we the best long snapper in the country.

Something people may not know about me: I love photography and I’m also very good at it.

What is favorite motivational quote? Seven days without training makes a weak one

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I feel that my drive and dedication to the craft is what makes me the best long snapper in the country. I am always working on my form and doing whatever I can to get bigger, stronger and faster.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I work at a Movie Theatre

What is favorite motivational quote? “If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there you must go beyond them.” -Bruce Lee

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? My humility; it allows me to create standards for myself. Standards hold me and only me accountable for everything I do. My standards go above any goal I would ever set for myself. Being humble fuels my desire to always work towards the next level, and approach every task with relentless determination.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? Through hardships I have encountered in my life, I have become altruistic, due to the need to put my family’s well being before my own.

What is your favorite food? Pizza, but it has to have good crust. The crust can make or break a pizza.

What is favorite motivational quote?

“It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – from “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I have a drive to practice harder and more effectively than any other snapper in the country. Every day I make sure I am improving each aspect of my game, from my technique, to my physical fitness, to my mental readiness. When I finish high school, I want to be the most dependable long snapper in the country, and I do everything within my power to make that goal a reality. I also have the advantage of speed and mobility that makes me ideal for punt coverage.

Hobbies (name only three please):
1. Basketball
2. Music
3. Video Games

What is your favorite movie? Remember the Titans

What is your favorite food? Steak

What is favorite motivational quote? What we do in life echos in Eternity.

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I feel I am the best long snapper because I am calm and smooth with my approach. I also can get down field and make a play as well. I have been long snapping competitively since I was 9 years old in Pop Warner and now in High School. No situation rattles me. Snapping into the end zone or any situtation. I am always calm and collective.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? A unique quality I have is I am also a 3 year varsity starter for my High School basketball team.

Top 5 College Choices:
1. Nevada Reno
2. University of Southern California
3. Montana State
4. Colorado State
5. Portland State

Hobbies (name only three please):
1. Photography
2. Training and Working Out
3. Eating and sleeping

What is your favorite movie? tie–The Dark Knight and Step Brothers

What is your favorite food? Sushi and Pizza

What is favorite motivational quote? It ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. ROCKY

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? The 3 D’s — my Desire, Drive and Dedication

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I have a new car and don’t have a drivers license yet.

What is favorite motivational quote? “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? My combination of size and athletic ability is as good as any in the country. The fact that i am never completely satisfied also fuels me. I strive every day to improve in football and life.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I plan to major in Education and Coaching in order to help kids get on the right track out of high school, and surround students with positive influences on and off of the football field.

What is favorite motivational quote? “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t”- Jerry Rice

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I am confident, and want to win more than anyone else. I accept nothing but perfection, and will do anything to get to it. I am not afraid of any one on one challenge to prove I am the best.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I’m a sucker for Disney musicals.

What makes you the best Long Snapper in the country? I believe I am the best long snapper in the country because I understand how important the role of long snapper is to a football team. I know that hard work and determination is the only way to succeed. I do not believe I am a perfect long snapper, because perfection means I can never get better. I am the best long snapper in the country because I am not perfect, but I will never stop trying to be.

What is one unique quality about you that not everyone might know about? I have a great sense of humor and love to laugh.

On May 4-5, 2013 well over 100 Long Snappers from around the globe came out to Las Vegas to participate in the 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas sponsored by Nike. The talent was excellent and so were the conditions. The staff was overflowing with one staff member per three Long Snappers so everyone was able to get the full experience throughout the weekend. Day one of the Event was all about instruction and many Long Snappers stood out immediately to make a name for themselves.

After it was all said and done, the winner of the camp was CJ Keller (2014, AZ). CJ handles pressure as well as anyone in the country, was snapping bullets all day and is very, very accurate and consistent. Kid is a machine and outlasted the rest of the competitors to take home the title!

Here are some of the top performers, by graduating class, from the weekend…

2013/JC

Andrew MacLean was dominant all weekend in Vegas!

Andrew MacLean was outstanding all weekend. He is built extremely well and snapping with a ton of confidence. This big Canadian has made quite a name for himself.

Jason Diffee was out in Vegas to get fine-tuned before heading off to Eastern Washington on scholarship. He did not disappoint.

Cody Block was smooth and is built well. Moves very smooth on his feet and is consistent with his snaps.

2014

Tanner Carew was dominant all weekend in Vegas.

Tanner Carew was off the charts all weekend and has taken the top spot in his class. Snaps absolute rockets, built like an athlete and has a tremendous attitude. Tell him what to do and just consider it done. TONS of upside on this already tremendous Long Snapper.

Alan Lucy continues his dominance by snapping well and really doing a great job in transforming his body into a D1 athlete.

Wyatt “Tucker” Smith is easily the top JC Long Snapper in the country. Built like a college tight end and snaps fire back to the punter.

Nate Adams has an amazing frame, a smooth snap and is very consistent. Love the way he moves and has a nice, smooth snap back to the punter and holder.

Casey Wilson is easily the smoothest Long Snapper in the country and will be purely dominant once he locks down his blocking.

John Shannon was phenomenal all weekend in Vegas. At times, can snap in the .6s already! Great frame. Needless to say, keep a very close eye on him.

Johnny Den Bleyker did very well out in Vegas. Moves well on his feet and is very athletic. Great attitude.

Damon Johnson looked good with his form and was snapping the ball well. The more comfortable he gets with his ability, the better he will be.

Donald Reiter was impressive out in Vegas. He snaps a tight ball and shows waves of brilliance with his speed on the ball.

Conner Kirkegaard continues to be a solid Long Snapper with great speed. The more consistent he gets, the better he will be.

Grant Crum stood out with his continued performance all weekend. Could be the sleeper of his class.

Rubio Long Snapping will kick off it’s summer tour with camps in TX on June 9, the TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp on June 21-23, the Underclassmen Invite Event on June 29-30, CA on July 11, NC on July 15, GA on July 17, the College Camp on July 19-21, MA on July 25, IL on July 27 and CA on July 29.

Rubio will also be running college specialists camps for LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, UCLA, Oregon and Washington as well. All information can be found on RubioLongSnapping.com

Long Snappers came out to IL on Sunday, March 17th from KY, MO, MN, KS, OH, IL, CT, IN, MI, IA and NY to get the best instruction and exposure in the country for Long Snappers. The talent was the best I have seen this fall in one location. The overall winner of the camp was Tommy Sullivan (IL, ’14). Tommy has improved a great deal since his first camp with Rubio Long Snapping. He has transformed his body and his form is excellent. Sky is the limit for this Midwest Long Snapper.

Other Long Snappers that were exceptional throughout the day were….

2013

Miller was tremendous all day in IL

Gabriel Miller (IN) – This Nebraska commit left no doubt the Huskers made a great decision in offering him a full scholarship. Miller ended up losing the entire competition by about a quarter of an inch. He is definitely ready for the next level.

Sean Corcoran (IL) – He has really put some good size on and his snapping with confidence. Definitely making a play to really push for the starting spot next year at Penn St. Looked the most solid I have seen him….and I have seen him many times.

Freeze was dominant all day in IL

2014

Patrick Freeze (IN) – This massive Long Snapper was amazing all day. He continually impressed me with his terrific form, hard snaps and confidence. If he snaps like he did in IL when he gets to Vegas, there is NO DOUBT he makes EVENT ELITE. Keep a very close eye on Freeze.

Wyatt Pfeifer (OH) – Just continues to improve and improve. Body is thick, strong and solid. His form is excellent and he is snapping as though he knows he is the best out there. Love that attitude when you can back it up…he can back it up.

Bronson Bruneau (MN) – Built like a college tight end and snaps like a college Long Snapper. Massive frame that could easily put on another 40 lbs. Huge upside on Bruneau. Dripping with possibilities.

Reid Buckingham (KS) – Easily one of the best Long Snappers in his class and could easily be the best IF he gets set. Tons of upside on this very smooth Long Snapper. Great attitude.

Nate Hawkins (OH) – Is a very athletic Long Snapper that never stops getting better. Slow and steady, he continues to climb the rankings. Great personality and very coachable.

Seth Combs (IL) – A Long Snapper with excellent form that snaps the ball very hard. Needs size to really push for top spots. Potential.

Liam was throwing heat all day in IL.

2015

Liam McCullough (OH) – He proved, yet again, he is the best in his class. He has put on some great weight and looks different, in a good way, than he did just a couple months ago in Vegas. Liam easily snaps college speeds now and, when he gets through, he never misses. Amazing talent for his age.

Nick Janicki (IL) – Might be the most athletic Long Snapper in his class. Improving rapidly and could easily make a play for the top Long Snapper in his class.

Jake Knight (MI) – He has D1 size as a sophomore and is close to snapping a D1 ball as well. Powerful Long Snapper with tons of potential. Keep an eye on him.

Ben Makowski (IN) – Very thick Long Snapper oozing potential. Very close to being “there” and when he gets there, the rest of his class will suffer.

Hunter Varga (IL) – Has really been working on his form and it is paying off. He snaps a smooth ball and will be as good as he wants to be. Snapping hard will be key for Varga.

Jackson Mahorney (KY) – Very smooth Long Snapper with great form. The harder he snaps, the better he will be. Built thick and strong.

2016 and Beyond…

Walsh is well beyond his years with his Long Snapping.

Ryan Walsh (IL) – Amazing talent for his age (2018). Form is exceptional and he uses all of his body when he snaps. The bigger and stronger he gets, the better he will be. Handles pressure well.

Nate Durham (IL) – Is really impressing me and I almost shocked he is only a 2017. Snaps with great form and solid speed. Great attitude.

John Shannon (IL) – Was excellent all day for his first Rubio Long Snapping camp. This freshman has a very bright future with his Long Snapping.

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.